Let it go, move onSlow down, everyone. We're moving too fast. Have you noticed how time seems to speed up as we grow older? We have. Events happen quick, and it's time we take a breath and slow things down a little bit to explore one very controversial topic in Russellville. By now, we all have heard or had conversations about the history of property taxes and how the long-standing millage earmarked for police and fire pensions was voted down after it was paire...

Building adequacy, equalityA good rule of thumb in life is knowing that no matter how tough you think you have it, be assured that it can always get worse. Facility funding, the latest chapter in the book of education reform in Arkansas, is no exception. We don't have an exact plan as of yet, but if the proposal on the table passes, it will most certainly get worse for some districts. The legislature is buried in mountains of paperwork as they attempt to work their way ...

Bigger fish to fryToday's hot topic in the state legislature has immigrated into the realm of education, although we're not referring to school facility funding. We'll editorialize on that Thursday. A bill currently stalled in the Senate Education Committee, would allow children of illegal immigrants and graduates of Arkansas high schools, who have attended those schools for at least three years, to pay in-state tuition to state colleges and universities. Under...

Working to welcome them homeAs the time grows near for area soldiers to filter back to their homes and to their families, we need to clearly define how we can truly welcome them. There is a parade and public celebration planned, The Courier is printing a special section and yellow signs have begun to line the streets. We think community-wide participation is a must. While all these plans are good, there is a better way to say "thank you." Some of you out there, are think...

Women honored for dedicationWe strive to make sure there is always something special in every issue of The Courier. Today, readers can find the special section "Women in Profile." For the first time ever, The Courier has named it's own Outstanding Woman of the Year by judging nominations we received for the special section. This woman was chosen from numerous nominations provided by our readers. The decision was a difficult one to make considering all of those who do so ...

RVMP moves on with planMembers of the River Valley Meth Project (RVMP) gathered at their monthly meeting Wednesday as they continue to inform, educate and implement plans to fight the epidemic of methamphetamine in the River Valley. Legislation is on the governor's desk that would make it law for cold medicines containing pseodoephedrine, a key ingredient in the manufacturing of meth, to be taken off of the shelf and put behind the counter. Consumers wanting to buy ...

Give credit where credit is dueAfter so many additions and restrictions and requirements the legislature has placed on Arkansas' public schools, it's nice to finally see a proposal that will make things a little easier for students and teachers. A bill allowing high school students to receive physical education credit if they participate in any organized school team sport passed a House committee Thursday. The bill would allow athletes who participate in sports such as foot...

Good move for TechAs did anyone with a fondness for Arkansas Tech University, we waited in anticipation to see if Tech President Dr. Robert C. Brown would make the move to Central Missouri State University. We had mixed feelings about his potential departure, because we want what is best for both Dr. Brown and Arkansas Tech University at the same time. We were hoping the direction of both would coincide. If moving to Missouri was in his best interest, we would ...

Good 'ol boys, girlsIn most cases, it's not what you know but who you know. We believe keeping the "Good 'ol boy" network out of the game is essential at providing sound local government. This is easier said than done. We need to ensure that knowledge and logic outweigh any bonds between certain personalities when public servants vote. The public deserves to hear and see all aspects of a given issue and a chance to be heard. When the public votes, the result shou...

Listening our way to the topWe are a community newspaper, even though our readership spans three counties. Our goal is to cover a wide range of topics throughout the Arkansas River Valley. No newspaper can truly serve its readers without communicating with them on a regular basis. Our main goals are to be the readers' first choice for news, stories about their neighbors and to offer in-depth looks into the "bigger picture" that will affect their lives. To accomplish this...

Three waves of changeThe Courier launched three aspects to our product recently that we hope will enlighten, inform and entertain our readers. The "I Believe in the River Valley" page publishes every Saturday and focuses on exploring the positive benefits of living in the Arkansas River Valley. Our goal is to create community awareness of the organizations, programs and people that positively impact the community. The theme of the page changes from month to month....

Help us honor heroesEveryone has a story to tell or share with others. We strive to dig deep and discover local stories that the readers want to read about. We also aim to share stories that surprise the readers about things right here in their own backyard. With all those statements in mind, sometimes we find positives, and other times we find stories that we would rather not have to print but need to because the public needs to know. This editorial is a request...

Legislature juggling sessionThe state legislature's focus of late has been multifaceted including school facilities funding, several medical issues, the sales of pseudoephedrine (a common substance used in making methamphetamine) and improving secondary highways, just to name a few. We've already shared our opinion on the present proposal for improvements to school facilities and the study it is referenced to, and our position hasn't changed. The landmark Lakeview case s...

Fighting for FOIAThe United States was founded on the First Amendment which gives citizens the right to know and the freedom to speak about it. Although the public was not privy to many issues until the Freedom of Information Act of 1966. Until FOIA, agencies still had the right to withhold information from the public. Governing bodies just had to cite certain information to be withheld for "public interest." That wording was vague and left a wide range of int...

Thank you for a job well doneAnother holiday flew by Monday as Valentine's Day became history. Holidays are a time to be with family and friends. While you enjoyed your holiday, did you stop to think about our service men and women who are fighting for freedom around the world? How about their families who have to try to fill a void while carrying on their traditions? For the men and women who have served this country, and the ones who are making sacrifices right now, we ...

Be a ValentineValentine's Day is Monday and depending on your situation, you will probably celebrate the day in several different ways. The holiday which originates from ancient times is either loved or hated. In a brief survey of residents in the Arkansas River Valley, we found the majority of people enjoy the holiday while some don't care for it at all. The independent variable seemed to be whether or not they had a friend to celebrate it with. Who has th...

A change in perceptionAddictions happen to good people everyday. We find ourselves addicted to a plethora of things and sometimes even people. You can define addictions as bad habits that have become a part of our comfort zone - a part of our daily life. At that point, whatever your addiction is, it tends to rule your life. It's like you're riding around in a car as a passenger not a driver. We've all fallen into an addiction of some kind - substance abuse, certain...

Fill pool with water, not dirtAfter a townhall meeting Tuesday at the Hughes Center, it became evident the public cares about the M.J. Hickey Park pool and they want it open this summer. The Russellville City Council approved its 2005 budget recently but did not include Hickey pool. When the news of an un-funded pool hit the streets, numerous concerns surfaced from citizens and organizations who wanted the pool to remain a mainstay in the community. The Courier made an edi...

Balling for a good causeSequins were out in full force at the 2005 Junior Auxiliary Charity Ball on Saturday at the Hughes Center in Russellville. A few men wore tuxedos while many women sported sequins in an array of colors. We must say members of the Junior Auxiliary did an exceptional job of decorating the Hughes Center for "A Night in Paris." Small replicas of the Eiffel Tower adorned many tables while every setting was accented with an arrangement of pink roses,...

Securing futuresPolitics and the freedom to express our political differences are what makes this country good and bad all at the same time. Debating issues from both sides has proven to be positive at times throughout history, but the current debate on the hill about the direction of Social Security is one that should be discussed between plain ole' people - not liberals, conservatives, democrats or republicans. Social Security was created for the people, an...